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Exchange City

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Comments

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    LOL...I googled stick on nipples and found my way to a site for drag queens and cross dressers!!! They had a stick on nipple with a dangling earring..oops nipple ring. How about that for giving our PS's....and DH's a shock....LOL

    Hope all are having a good weekend. Going sports bra shopping....eckkkk...might as well be going to the dentist!!!!

    Kathie 

  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 144
    edited March 2009

    First Mate...before BC I never could have posted those photos...but I'm so used to flashing them to everybody that it doesn't phase me any more! ROFL 

    I love to shock my PS!  I told my husband I was going to write "Under Construction" with an arrow pointing up to my chest when I went in for my bilater.  They had given me the pen to write on each breast "Yes" ...agreeing that both were to be removed.  But hubby didn't think I was funny!  No sense of humor! 

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    Lisa...I seem to remember a t shirt with an arrow pointing down saying "Under Construction" for pregnant women....I see no reason we can't have one pointing up...LOL. Good for you and the shock factor.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    LOL

    Sitting here with NOTHING to do at work.... Snowing here.. BORED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited March 2009
    Bored at work...what is that like???? LOL!  I've had such a crazy time trying to catch up at work that I'm just about going bonkers...short trip though anyway!   Snow at the end of March?  Is it ever going to end?  We've had snow this week twice too.  I'm so done with it this year.  My crazy husband is out ice fishing and was really disappointed that I didn't want to go.  I opted for housework and baking!!  That is how tired I am of this weather.  Big weather forecast says we MAY be above freezing for the weekend...I am counting on it!Undecided
  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited March 2009

    thank you everyone for the kind words and support....everything is fine for now....I am a little leary about changing the dressing today.....but I know I can do it.

     I am so happy to hear of the new grandchildren that are arriving soon. Grandkids are the best.....even though mine are from my SO daughter I like being there for them....we don,t get to see them except about once or twice a year......they live in Germany......my SO leaves on the 1st for a trip over to see them.....not fair....but I really can't justify asking for more time off from work....and we had the trip planned before the big BC bomb went off in Dec....I have plenty of support IRL and on this site to get me thru the 2 weeks SO will be gone.

    hugs and prayers to all of you.....and thanks again for being there.

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited March 2009

    good AM darlings, so glad everyone is up and feeling pretty well.....love and (((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))) to everybody having troubles........or seromas, revisions, unhappy etc.,

    I got fipples "reforma", they look so REAL.  And yeah, they come in three shades, light, medium and dark for all of us.  Also sizes, tiney and larger aureolas....I put it on to play and see how the finished girl would look and my hubby was wowed.  It really gives you the complete picture, not to mention really fun to stick an extra one on at the beach or on your head or something.

    Kathie, I am glad to help with the calcium info, also the D.  My onc and my OB/GYN also mentioned that bec. of heart issues w/out any estrogen, I should take purified (no heavy metals) fish oil Omega 3 capsules as well, to protect my heart.  1,200 mgs. daily.  I got them at GNC, and for the calcium i used total cereal in the AM and a viactiv chew (200 mgs. D3 and 500 mg. calcium each chew) two times at lunch and dinner.  That gets me to 1500 calcium as they wanted, all the D3 they wanted, and some multis from the Total as well.  She also stressed weight bearing exercise, like an air stepper or a treadmill, or walking/running, 1/2 hr. daily.

    I hope this will keep the scarey biophosphates away :). 

    Good luck all and have fun with your fipples!

    xoxo

    annie

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited March 2009

    Laura - The baby in the picture is my newest niece.  It was a fun picture of her getting excited to eat in her bumbo seat.  I have 14 neices and nephews.  No children of my own so I go crazy over them.  Thank you for asking.

    I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

    Sonia

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Last weekend I got to hold my new great nephew

    kids are so presious : - )

    well this afternoon I'm off to two of Jared's ball games

    kids they help keep us young

    Tomorrow I hope to do the 4 mile Easter Seal race and get with friends afterwards and hang out for a while

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited March 2009

    Hi all - I need to know how to PM timtam so I can see some recon pictures.  I am concerned about my nipple recon of last week - just a few minor problems but would love some input and also want to see lisa's photos!!

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited March 2009

    bobcat

    sorry that you may be having problems with your nipp recon.....hopefully it will get better after a few days.  You can look on the members list and do a search on Timtam.  When her name comes up then just click on the name and you will be able to send a PM to her....Let me know if you have any problems.

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    hi gals I'm so ready for warmer tempts

    I drove home from Jared's game (which I'm happy to say they won by 1 point ) and my car swerved about 3 times.  I was driving in about 1 - 2 inches of snow & sleet.  Heading back in about 20 minutes but this time taking the truck. 

    I hope everyone is doing well

    Lorraine I hope your enjoying this cold weather in Chicago

    Next time you want someplace cold we can swap houses : - )

    Bobcat are you wearing something to hold your bra and shirt off your new nipple.  That's about all I know to give for advise.  I hope to get my nipple April 9th : - )

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Sandy.. I understand... we are now getting that Colorado snow here in Kansas City.... so far... 5 inches at my house.. YUKKKKKKKK

    It is kinda pretty...LOL... but come on... it is SPRING.. I am ready to open my pool.. last year with the Chemo.. our whole summer sucked!.. I am ready to live and live again...:)

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited March 2009
    Do you get snow often in Kansas Dorothy? I mean Laura...LOLWink
  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    HEY!!! I DO Not live in Kansas...lol.. I am in Kansas City Missouri.... and yes... I must admit... we get a lot of snow.. not like Canada though... you win the prize!!!!!

    dh and I grew up here and BOTH wonder how we did it... we are beach babies.... we LOVE the Ocean, yet.. we live in the Midwest! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKK

    Yvonne.,, you need to do stand up.. you are hysterical sister... I read your posts and just DIE laughing most of the time... gotta love a broad who is funny....... gotta love her! Love ya!

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    We got a peek of spring here today in Mass. My neighbor's purple crocuses were blooming and I have a single daffodil out. Was nice to get out and take a walk with my son. Plus I actually drove today for the first time in a week and a half....not supposed to till Tuesday but I felt like being scandalous!!!!! 

  • skippyrcis
    skippyrcis Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2009

    I would like to send warm weather vibes to all of you north of Florida!!  What we need down here in our area is rain.  Today we heard the shuttle come home.  It made our windows shake and then we heard the boom...boom.  I love to hear that sound.  I asked my husband if it was coming home today then he turned on the news and we got to watch it land.  I wonder how far off the sonic boom can be heard.  We are in the Tampa FL area.  We got to watch the launch from our front yard.  This past one was just beautiful.  I know, not really a bc subject.  

    I am filled to 600ccs now.  I am trying to decide if I want one more fill.  I posted pictures on the pf.  Tell me what you think.  Thanks and I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend. 

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Thanks for posting your new pix

    I think you look great and if I were you I would stay were you are now

    and get your exchange in about 4 months if you can wait that long

  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2009

    May 21!!!  Exchange!!!

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited March 2009

    Kansas City Missouri?? I guess we both need a geography lesson Laura!  LOL!!!! My husband and I absolutely love the ocean (any ocean) and just live for our winter holidays.  How did we get landlocked???  Funny broad...I like that!!!! Lifes to short not to spend it with a smile on your face that is for sure!!!!

    Glad to take the warm weather vibes Skippyrcris!  My son went to Florida for a vacation this winter and just loved it.  They were so hoping to see some action at the launch pad but something was delayed and they missed it (I don't remember all the details, just the sad emails that he sent because he was so disappointed).  I'm off to check out your pictures.

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    check out the Oct thread for 3 of my climbing pix

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Just a quick note to tell our surgery sisters best wishes this week. I can't believe we are in April already, my exchange is in April as well. And just when I was starting to feel like myself again and get my new business started. I wish I didn't have to go through another stage. Ah well, somehow this all works out. Best wishes ladies! Keep us posted!

    3/30 - Tracyz - Exchange to silicone implants [bilateral]

    4/3 - Playmysti - Exchange to silicone Implants

    4/3 - Bkokie - Exchange and lift

    Skippy - I think it is cool that you can see and hear the shuttle! My dh would love that. He gets so excited when they come and go on TV. Neat!!

    Laura - The snow will melt soon and you will open your pool and you will have a chance to enjoy it this summer! I am sending you wonderful vibes!

    Sandy - Great rock climbing pictures. My dh loves rock climbing, me, I like to have my two feet on the ground! I love your action stories!

    Linda - You made your decision. Yeah! I think that is the hardest part! At least it is for me!

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    Tracy...you hot ticket....you're our clean up batter for March. Good luck to you. Can't wait to hear how it all fluffs outWink

    xxoo Kathie

    BTW...sent you an email...and congrats on your running....I will continue to run vicariously through all of you...I'm with firstmate about running....but I'll be the loudest chica cheering all of you on at the finish line!!!!!! 

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2009

    Hey ladies......just checking in......busy weekend.......took the kids and their cousins to the Supercross last night in Toronto.......and my daughter has her figure skating carnival this afternoon...........I am still leaking lots of seroma fluid......will it ever end?.......I will be finally able to call PS tomorrow.....so we'll see what she says......still no redness or swelling.......so I am trying to stay positive.......here's a tip for any dealing with any type of leakage......

    I was getting tired of stuffing a sanitary pad into my bra........just somehow seemed wrong........anyway......I got to thinking about nursing pads......I wasn't a big leaker when I breast fed my babies......but knew there was such a thing available......so off to the baby aisle.......and low and behold.......there they were......in lots of different absorbencies........they work great and somehow feel better just being the right shape.

    Karen......good luck to you......I will keep my fingers crossed that things work out great for you this time!

    Cheers to all!........love reading all of your post......and looking at all of your pics........you guys all look great......I can't wait to be able to post my pics..........that is.......if I ever make it to the exchange!

    Jax

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited April 2009

    I had bi-lateral nipple sparring/skin sparring mastectomies with single stage reconstruction with 410 cohesive implants three weeks ago.

    The discomfort I have with the cohesive implants is unbearable. The are hard and do not yield. Sleeping on my side is only possible with pillows placed under my side and my back. They hurt all of the time. I also have the constant subcutaneous itching where the implants are, its horrible and antihistamines only offer slight relief. In clothes I look good, without, I look very uneven. My PS has said that they will look equal as time goes by. But he admits that some women never get comfortable with 410 implants. I am thinking of an exchange to soft silicone gel implants. I was wondering what other people have experienced.

    Also how long did it take for other people to stop being in pain and being uncomfortable. I have a burning feeling down the back of my arm and numbness under the arm with the sentinel node biopsy, when will that go away?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited March 2009

    Bigapple09 - Welcome to Exchange City!  Could we get some additional information/background which might help us with your question?  Why were you a candiate for single stage reconstruction?  Did you have submuscular placed breast implants prior to the BLM - or did you have sufficient skin flaps, e.g., were you large breasted prior to BLM and able to have a single stage procedure?  Just trying to assess why you had a single stage vs. a 2 stage with expanders....What size [how many cc's] are your 410's?  Granted the 410's are firmer and require a larger breast incision for insertion, but it might not so much be the fact that you have 410's, as it is that many of us have post-mastectomy pain for quite a while after surgery and some with far more pain and discomfort than others. At this stage of your recovery, I doubt that standard silicone implants would make much of a difference. Others on this forum will offer some answers or thoughts as well.  We hope you find some comfort soon!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited March 2009

    Jax - I think your PS is going to need to aspirate that seroma, don't you?  And perhaps insist on ultrasound guided aspiration - so that they can really see what is going on and get as much fluid as they can.  You are a trouper though...out buying nursing pads....I am such a weanie - I would be holed up in the house all weekend, examining my breast every ten minutes or so....waiting for Monday to come.  You are da woman!  But demand some serious addressing of the seroma tomorrow,  okie-dokey?

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited April 2009

    Thank you Whippemom 

    The 410 is rated in terms of grams instead of CC since its not a liquid but almost a solid, the ones I have are 550 gr.

    I am BRCAI and first had cancer in 2002, we had a big scare with an MRI with a BIRADS 5 in january (after finishing 5 years of tam) and with my doctors decided the luxery of waiting was over and that the risks were too big, so we did the surgery. I have a very unique family history with only two women so far having not been diagnosed, every other woman has had BC pre  menopause, and those two are still young, so the need for me to move forward is huge. The Drs brought up the chance of a single surgery and that sounded great especially because i will have to take out my ovaries later this year. Each time I have to have a treatment or surgery the stress on my teenage daughter is huge, she has watched the other women in my family go through treatments and it causes her so much fear that i will be sick and could die, so it made sense.

    The 410(s) are so hard, do other people feel itching inside where the implants/expanders are? I was also getting worried that it could be a sign of allergy or rejection 

  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 144
    edited March 2009

    I have the Allergan 410s (450 gr).  I have had them for a week and have had no pain or problems, itching.  In fact I'm very happy with them...slept on my side for a bit last night.  But I was also sleeping on my side with the expanders.

    I hope you can get some answers!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009
    ((((((((((((((((((((( TRACEY)))))))))))))))))))))))))  Your time has come ! Can you believe it.. I remember our chats months and months ago. March 30th was going to be my exchange date too. I will live vicariously through you tomorrow... I pray all goes GREAT!

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